Can a California landlord require you to pay for internet?
Research California questions about landlord-required internet, third-party ISP subscriptions, bulk billing and AB 1414 without confusing payment rules with service availability.
Separate the question of whether a qualifying charge can be opted out from the question of whether another ISP can actually serve the apartment. AB 1414 does not itself create network availability.
Start with what the charge actually pays for
California Civil Code section 1942.8 addresses a qualifying third-party internet service provider subscription offered in connection with a residential tenancy. It does not prohibit every technology, amenity or communications charge. Review the lease and addenda to identify the actual service before applying the statute.
Then check the tenancy timeline
The enacted timing language addresses tenancies commenced, renewed, or continuing month-to-month or on another periodic basis on or after January 1, 2026.
Terms you may see
- Bulk internet or bulk billing
- Technology package
- Managed Wi-Fi
- Community or resident internet
- Amenity or technology fee
- Bundled communications services
Connect Point ISP provides general educational and service-availability research, not legal advice. Verify the current statute and your own documents. Exact provider availability should be checked at the specific address or unit.